Ministering to New Believers within the first 72 hours Developing Devoted Disciples Purpose The purpose of this module is to teach the discipler how to address the needs of new ID: 172738
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Developing Devoted Disciples" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Developing Devoted Disciples
Ministering
to New Believers
within the first 72 hours
Slide2
Developing Devoted Disciples
Purpose:
The purpose of this module is to teach the
discipler
how to address
the needs
of
new
believers
within the first 72 hours after
their
decision
for Christ. Slide3
Developing Devoted Disciples
Objectives:
The objectives for this module are:
Articulate the biblical basis for follow up after conversion as seen in John 9
Identify the possible concerns and needs of the new believer.
Establish a framework for
discipling
that is relational instead of task-oriented.
Move beyond the problems of
discipling
to developing relationships. Slide4
Developing Devoted Disciples
Bible Study:
John 9:1-39
Scripture focus; John 9:35, “Jesus”
heard that they had put him out, and finding him,
“He
said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man
?””What struggles will the recently healed man face?What does this scripture say to us about Jesus?orWhat does Jesus do?Slide5
Developing Devoted Disciples
The Feelings of New Believers
New believers experience a variety of
EMOTIONS
. Some are positive, some are negative. Some are caused by internal conflicts and assumptions. Some are triggered by
EXTERNAL
pressures.
Excitement of Life
New believers will be excited about what has happened to them. This excitement may be observed in many ways. We should encourage the joy of their new discoveries. Slide6
Developing Devoted Disciples
Fears, Concerns and Second Thoughts
At the same time negative thoughts and uncertainties may tear at new believers. Some of their questions may include:
“What do I do?”
“Am I really forgiven?”
“Do I have to right all the wrongs that I committed?”
“What about my smoking and/or drinking?”Slide7
Developing Devoted Disciples
Caught Between Two
Worlds
The blind man found himself caught between what had happened to him and what the community was willing to accept. Like
the
blind man,
new believers may have similar feelings of being caught between two worlds.How do we address the feelings of new believers?Explain tension is to be expected when there is change.Coach them to keep their focus on Christ. Slide8
Developing Devoted Disciples
Building Relationships
Relationships are the starting point for Christian growth and assisting new believers with their emotions. We have a responsibility to
INITIATE
new relationships. For some Christians making contacts may be new territory and scary. Remember Jesus intentionally sought the healed man. We have an opportunity to be like Christ.
The first contact
should provide a
positive memory.Make your first contact in person or by phone.Remember whom you represent. Show an appropriate level of care and concern.Schedule a time together.Find a time and location where conversation can progress without significant interruption.
Respecting a person’s time is extremely important. Slide9
Developing Devoted Disciples
Building Relationships
Conversation starters are a way to begin the relationship and determine the best method for continuing.
Take time to get to know something about the person and his/her background and current situation.
Open-ended questions are essential to good conversation. Here are some sample questions:
Tell me about your job. What do you like about it? What in your job is satisfying?
What does the perfect day off look like for you?
What was your family like growing up?What is your life motto?Be open to acknowledge common INTERESTS.Slide10
Developing Devoted Disciples
Defining Needs
Learning about the needs of new believers may come naturally from initial conversations, but
disciplers
must be intentional about expressing concern for new believers and expressing a
DESIRE
to help them. A desire to help, models the
CONCERN of Christ. This love also draws them to the body of Christ. Look for statements that indicate new believers are changing
their actions,
MOTIVATION
, or perspective.
Ask
questions such as: “In the last few days
have there
been significant
moment in your spiritual life
?” “
What changes do you sense taking place in your life?”
In
assessing their spiritual needs, we cannot neglect other physical and
EMOTIONAL
needs. Some new believers will be in
UNDESIRABLE
and harmful circumstances. We should determine what other types of assistance they may need. Slide11
Developing Devoted Disciples
Encouragement and Affirmation
The new believers need
ASSURANCE
that many of the feelings, fears and concerns
they
experience are natural.
An important element of assuring new believers is to develop the UNDERSTANDING they are not alone. They have become part of the family of God.Slide12
Developing Devoted Disciples
Encouragement and Affirmation
Remind them they can rely on the resources available to them. Help them to see how important the following
are
:
Bible Study
Prayer
Fellowship with other believersSunday School/Small GroupWorshipSlide13
Developing Devoted Disciples
Encourage Testifying
Provide an opportunity for people to share.
Testifying to God’s work in their lives accomplishes four things:
Testifying solidifies new believers’ decisions to follow Christ. “To teach is to learn twice.”
Testifying increases the likelihood that people will follow through on what they say (accountability).
Sharing encourages the church to celebrate new life in Christ.
Confessing God’s saving work provides encouragement for others to accept Christ.
In rare situations, new Christians may not be interested in discipleship or building friendships with other believers. In this case, we should attempt to build trust, to befriend, and to pray for them.Slide14
Developing Devoted Disciples
Small Group Activity
Read the case studies of Mark, Keith and Judy (found in your
participant’s handout
).
Discuss ways to build friendships with the new believers.
Define the needs of the characters in the case studies.
Describe ways you could affirm and encourage new believers.Slide15
For more information, find us
onlineat www.missionevangelism.org Email evangelism@nazarene.org
Developing Devoted Disciples